Last week, we had the immense privilege of welcoming a group of extraordinary guests to our distillery: the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. The charity is run entirely by volunteer cab drivers who dedicate their time (and cabs) to take veterans on outings and are the only Forces charity that focuses on providing fun and entertainment for Veterans. Whilst this might not seem like a big deal to many, for some an outing can be life-changing, providing a huge amount of joy in their later years.
A Place With a Legacy: From WWII Fuel Depot to Distillery
As the veterans toured the site, it quickly became clear just how meaningful this visit was for all of us. Our distillery was once a top-secret WWII fuel depot, part of the Government Pipeline and Storage System (GPSS) — an intricate underground network used to support the war effort across the UK. The veterans, some of whom were familiar with PLUTO (Pipeline Under the Ocean) that supplied fuel to Europe, were surprised to learn about the scale of this network here at home and were able to see the feat of engineering from those times.
Among our guests were veterans who had served in iconic campaigns, including D-Day, Operation Market Garden, and the Burma Campaign. Each of these men and women played a vital role in the war, with stories of resilience, bravery, and determination. Though we plan to share these stories in detail in the coming months, the significance of this day was a reminder of why preserving their legacy matters.
Supporting the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
The visit also underscored our ongoing partnership with the Taxi Charity. Through sales of our Dark Rum, we donate £2 from each bottle to the charity, directly to support their outings. These funds are not just figures on a spreadsheet; they go directly to helping veterans attend memorable outings like the one they had with us. For many veterans, these experiences bring friendship, camaraderie, and the comfort of community.
We have big plans in store for 2025 and as we deepen our partnership with the Taxi Charity we look forward to sharing more and honoring each veteran as an individual — preserving their stories, lifting their voices, and celebrating the lives they’ve led. If you’re as inspired by the Taxi Charity’s mission as we are, there are ways you can support. By purchasing a bottle of our Dark Rum, you’re directly contributing to these vital outings for veterans. Every donation and every bottle sold goes toward creating unforgettable experiences for men and women who have given so much. Alternatively, you can donate directly at www.taxicharity.org.uk.
Our thanks go out to the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans and the incredible group of heroes who spent the day with us. Their stories are our history, and through these small efforts, we hope to keep them alive for generations to come.
